[Double and multiple atrial stimulation--a new method for calculation of sinoatrial conduction time (author's...

By means of a new stimulation procedure--double and multiple atrial stimulation--the so-called sinoatrial conduction time (SACT) was calculated in 62 patients. The results were compared to the SACT calculation after premature single atrial stimulation (correlation coefficient 0.94). By means of the multiple atrial stimulation we were able to measure the "sinoatrial conduction time" in patients with SA-block of type II (missing reset phase) if the cases with SA entry block were excluded. The modified stimulation procedure helps to improve the assessment of functional disturbances of the sinoatrial node. This method for calculation of SACT is an advantage especially in patients with abnormally delayed SA conduction and in those with very short duration of spontaneous cycle length.